Page 7 - No Apologies

Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh
profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”

God’s ways are not man’s ways. That which mankind esteems is detestable in the sight
of God (Luke 16:15). The opposite is also true. That which Yahweh esteems is detestable in
the sight of man. Should I then apologize for teaching accurately the things of God because
they offend? Christ did not. The Son of God was not timid in proclaiming the mind of the
Father. Neither must His appointed ministers be.

Philippians 1:27-28
Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ..., in no way
alarmed by your opponents...

At the same time, I would be humble in setting before you the truth. I recognize my
own weakness. There are things Christ speaks that are uncomfortable to my soul. Christ’s
testimony to me requires the crucifixion of my own flesh. I can only take up the cross after
having crushed my soul with its passions and desires. This is accomplished with great
difficulty. I know the battle. I would show empathy, and manifest patience, toward others
who struggle.
On the cover of this book you will find the image of a hand extended as if to offer the
word of God to others. This is what I seek to do here. The Scriptures contain many
admonitions for women in the church. Following is an example.

I Corinthians 14:34-38
The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak,
but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn
anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman
to speak in church. Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it
come to you only? If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that
the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. But if anyone does not
recognize this, he is not recognized.

Paul’s words appear a little testy. He speaks in a harsher tone than I would normally
choose in my communications. Yet, I am persuaded that Paul did so for a purpose, and that
his words and attitude were approved by God. They have been included in the Bible. Peter
in another place calls Paul’s words “Scriptures.”

II Peter 3:15-16
Our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also
in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to
understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the
Scriptures.

Paul was gentle when gentleness was all that was needed to persuade the people of
God of the counsel of Christ. Yet, when there was stubbornness and opposition, Paul wrote
with greater force and emphasis. The subject of women’s roles and proper conduct among
the body of Christ has always been one that has elicited protests. The spirit of Jezebel has